The program comprised the Specialist Obstetrician Locum Scheme (SOLS), the GP Anaesthetist Locum Scheme (GPALS) and the Rural GP Locum Program (RGPLP). These programs were developed to ensure rural doctors are able to obtain adequate time for rest and professional development.

Each program comprised of two elements:

Funding a managing agency to implement a brokerage type service to match locums with rural doctors; and

Providing subsidies to doctors to cover the cost of locums.

A review of the NRLP, undertaken in April 2011 recommended streamlining of the program. The administration of the SOLS and GPALS has been amalgamated. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) administer this program, which is now known as the Rural Obstetric and Anaesthetic Locum Scheme (ROALS). The RGPLP has been integrated into the activities undertaken by the Medicare Locals.